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Wedding trends are an exciting part of planning a big day— they suggest ways to add a unique twist to even the most traditional weddings. Here are five of the top wedding trends that we expect to sweep weddings of 2019.

Top Five 2019 Wedding Trends

Regal bridal looksIn the name of all things royal, expect a new wave of pageantry to enter bridal fashion. Brides in 2019 can expect regal capes, sleeves, and tiaras.Smoke bomb exitAn upgrade to a classic sparkler exit, smoke bombs are the new way to send the newlyweds off in color. Match the smoke to your wedding colors— or opt for a rainbow pattern for an all-out color display.Revamped registriesWith more couples getting married later in life, less couples are in need of the basic dishes and KitchenAid Mixer. In 2019, expect to see more personalized registries from honeymoon funds on.Wedding vibes and themesMost brides today are looking beyond simply picking wedding colors. Today's brides are envisioning entire wedding themes— a vibe or feeling for their guests to enjoy.Unique venuesCouples are straying from traditional venues and embracing out-of-the-box wedding locations. Distilleries, raches, greenhouses, and breweries are gaining popularity as unique wedding venues.

Are you ready to pop the question this year? Visit us at Siebke Hoyt Jewelers in Cedar Rapids to explore our full collection of engagement rings. Explore a selection of engagement rings online HERE.

Our Ultimate Guide to Gifting Bridal Jewelry

No matter how old she is, a bride will always be a little girl to her parents. Many mothers and fathers look forward to celebrating their daughter's big day with bridal jewelry she can wear on her special day and beyond. This tradition is associated with the classic rhyme, “something old, new, borrowed, blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” This saying is very old, but the idea remains the same— to wish her good luck on her wedding day and beyond.

The “something new” is commonly associated with a gift of wedding jewelry from the bride’s parents, often presented to her as she dresses for the wedding so that she may wear it during and after the ceremony. Today, many parents choose to purchase and present jewelry to their daughters long before the day of to allow the bride to coordinate the gems with her bridal look. Most often, parents will choose a piece of jewelry that will complement the style of their daughter's engagement ring.

It is important that wedding jewelry given as a gift to a bride doesn't aim to outshine the engagement ring or wedding band. This jewelry should be given as a token of your love. So while it should be beautiful and precious, it is wise to keep it understated in comparison with her engagement ring and wedding band.

We have a gorgeous selection of wedding jewelry to choose from to make your daughter's special day that much brighter.

Earrings

Earrings are the most popular wedding jewelry gift. Whether you choose simple diamond stud earrings or something more dramatic, earrings are a gift she will wear and cherish for years to come. Shop these Forevermark Tribute Bezel Diamond Solitaire Earrings here.

Necklaces

A necklace is the perfect finishing touch to a wedding gown. We can help you find the perfect single diamond pendant or a more dramatic necklace. Shop this Forevermark Classic Forever Bezel Pendant here.

Bracelets

Bracelets are a beautiful bridal jewelry gift that is dazzling enough to match the occasion without outshining her other bridal jewelry. We recommend diamond bracelets and bracelets that incorporate gemstones if you would like to incorporate her birthstone, favorite color, or another gem with meaning. Shop this Diamond Tennis Bracelet here.

Rings

A ring also makes a wonderful gift for brides. Consider incorporating her birthstone, or even creating a custom piece with family jewelry, for a ring she will wear on her big day and beyond. Shop this rose gold and diamond ring here.

Visit us at Siebke Hoyt Jewelers in Cedar Rapids to explore our full collection of bridal jewelry. Explore a selection of our jewelry online HERE.

A solitaire engagement ring showcases the dazzling beauty of a single diamond. This engagement ring style is perfect for the bride who appreciates elegance and simplicity— and brides looking for a classic, traditional engagement ring. In a solitaire engagement ring, the diamond takes center stage, unlike a halo engagement ring or three-stone engagement ring. This engagement ring style is typically paired with a prong setting to maximize the sparkle.

Many people do not know that a solitaire engagement ring setting is a perfect choice for any diamond shape, from round to pear to heart. With a single center diamond, this ring style is a classic choice that never go out of style.

Visit us at Siebke Hoyt Jewelers in Cedar Rapids and see if a solitaire diamond ring is for you! Explore a selection of our engagement rings online HERE.

October, a turning point of seasons, marks the arrival of two birthstones, opal and tourmaline. Both unique gems offer an incredible array of color and diversity. Opal has limitless fire offer to indulge in, and tourmaline features a rainbow of colors. Both accentuate the beautiful colors of fall and add a glow and beauty unlike any other.

Opal

Opal is another adaptable gem. It is known as the Queen of Gems because of it has every other gem color hidden in its depths. Like your fingerprint, no two opals are the same. Each one has designs differing in colors, shape, and pattern. there is an opal for every person. Ranging from bright reds and yellows to soft greens and blues or even having the rainbow in one gem, opal is easily the most diverse gem.

When placed in rings, an opal's true potential can be unlocked on the finger. You can turn and move the opal to get a wide variety of colors and visual effects. Coveted by many, the opal is a must for your autumn and winter apparel. By far the most individual gem, be sure to choose an opal that accentuates and works with you.

Inspired by the charm of the past, this simulated large oval black opal art-deco ring is set with Lafonn's signature Lassaire simulated diamonds in sterling silver bonded with platinum. Shop this ring here.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a powerful gem. Representing love and humanity for centuries, the history behind these incredible jewels is limitless. Legend says that the tourmaline ran along a rainbow collecting all the colors, allowing it to be any color it desires. Incredibly durable, tourmaline figurines made by ancient Chinese, and Indians as ceremonial artifacts are on display around the world. Anyone wearing tourmaline will feel the history emanating from this established and beautiful gem.

Perfect in almost any setting, tourmaline excels on necklaces and rings. There are even Russian crowns that bear tourmaline gems. Not too showy, this gem is a perfect addition to any outfit. Coming in many colors, and even having the possibility to have a multitude of colors in one gem, tourmaline is a very diverse stone that has the ability to fit any person.

This eternity ring is set with Lafonn's signature Lassaire simulated diamonds and simulated pink tourmaline in sterling silver bonded with platinum. Weat it by itself or stack with other rings. Shop this ring here.

Visit our Cedar Rapids showroom to explore our full collection of October birthstone and anniversary jewelry, or shop a selection online HERE and HERE.

Popular long after September ends, sapphire is the birthstone for those born in the month of September. But did you also know it is a traditional anniversary gift for four wedding anniversaries? Learn more about this beloved, royal blue stone below.

Popular since the Middle Ages, the sapphire is a classic favorite of royalty, clergy, celebrities and fine jewelry collectors. September's blue birthstone ranges in color, but medium to medium-dark blue hues are the most coveted.

Some of the most famous blue sapphire engagement rings were worn by Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Elizabeth Hurley.

Sapphire FolkloreFolklore tells that sapphires will protect loved ones from envy and harm and grant the wearer spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. They are believed to offer healing properties for rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. Sapphires are also considered an antidepressant.

Sapphires as Anniversary Gifts

For couples looking for a traditional anniversary gift, sapphires are given for the 5th, 23rd, 45th and 65th wedding anniversaries. Couples celebrating these milestone anniversaries might consider a sapphire anniversary band that can be worn with the bridal set.

Sapphire Birthstone Jewelry

Sapphire jewelry is a meaningful gift for those who celebrate a September birthday— and anyone who loves this gorgeous gemstone! Click on each image to shop!

If you're like most married women we know, your engagement ring is one of the most precious items you own— both in terms of sentimental and financial value. Incorporating a few precautions and maintenance habits now will make sure your engagement ring shines for years to come!

We've outlined key tips to keeping your engagement ring as dazzling as the day you first put it on!

Clean your ring at home with mild solutions.

Regularly wash your ring at home by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid for roughly 30 minutes before gently scrubbing it with a soft bristle toothbrush.

You can also clean metals and precious stones with baking soda with its mild, non-abrasive consistency that makes it perfect for cleaning. Simply pour a bit of baking soda into a bowl and mix it with a bit of warm water to create a soft paste. Take off your ring and use your fingers to gently rub the paste around the stone, the setting, and the ring. Rinse the ring in warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Consider adding an alternative ring to the mix.

Many brides are choosing to rely on a “backup ring.” This ring is an alternate ring to your engagement ring that is often less valuable and can be worn without worry of it getting lost or damaged.

When you don't want to put your engagement ring at risk (a long day at the beach or gardening, for example), leave the real bling at home and opt for an alternative ring.

Have a go-to safe spot.

Whether you always take your ring off to sleep or shower, or if you only remove it when you really must, it's wise to have a designated spot for it. Whether you choose a specific area in your jewelry box, or a small dish on your dresser, having a go-to location will cut down on the chances of forgetting where you put it.

Avoid contact with harsh chemical residue.

Chemicals from everyday products (not just harah cleaners— even the ones in perfume, sunscreen, and lotion) can add residue to the ring and diamond, which can cause potential damage. Make it a habit to remove your ring before applying products that may be made with harmful chemicals.

Restore shine to white gold and platinum.

No matter what care you give your ring, every white gold ring will start to dull and a yellow hue will start to shine through. This is natural and unavoidable, but the gold’s original sheen can be easily restored through a process called Rhodium plating.

While platinum rings do not need Rhodium treatments as platinum does not originally start off as yellow, those who want a shinier look to their platinum engagement ring can opt to have their platinum band plated for more shine.

Get insurance.

As with any serious investment, it's wise to consider getting insurance for your engagement ring. While it might be emotionally difficult to ever have to replace your engagement ring, knowing you wouldn't have the financial upset if you ever did lose it can be more than worth it.

We are proud to offer a free nationwife warranty through Preferred Jewelers International, a nationwide network of premier independently owned and operated jewelry stores. Learn more about this complimentary warranty here.

Schedule professional cleanings.

Our team of experts at Siebke Hoyt Jewelers are happy to give your engagement ring a thorough, professional cleaning. Not only will we clean your ring, but we will examine it under magnification to make sure the prongs are secure, and to check for diamond fractures and loose stones. It is wise to have your ring professionally cleaned twice a year to maintain the structural integrity of your ring and keep it as dazzling as the first time you put it on.

You've found the perfect engagement ring, planned the perfect proposal... and she said YES! Now it's time to find HIS perfect wedding band.

While some men love jewelry and everything that comes with it, some grooms-to-be are easily overwhelmed with the limitless options when finding or creating a wedding band that reflects their style and needs.

Your wedding band will most likely be your most-worn piece of jewelry, and it symbolizes the biggest commitment you will ever make, so we encourage you to take the time to find a ring you will love to wear.

Here are four things to consider before picking out a men's wedding band:

To match, or not to match? While some couples prefer matching rings to symbolize their union in marriage, others prefer to choose rings that celebrate their unique personality. Discuss your options together before choosing a ring to ensure that you’re both in agreement over the general style.

Think about the finish. Some wedding bands are naturally polished, providing a high-shine finish with a classic look. Others use brushed metal, which dulls the natural shine and comes off more rugged. Think about your personal style, lifestyle, and what is best suited for you.

Traditional or modern? It’s your wedding ring, so the style is entirely up to you. If you want to keep it traditional, choose a simple gold band. If you prefer to choose something a little more unusual, there are plenty of distinctive wedding rings available, such as this striking black titanium band or custom creation.

Think about practicality. You’ll be wearing this ring every day, so you’ll want to make sure that it can withstand the rigors of your lifestyle. If you work a lot with your hands, you might want to consider choosing a material that is scratch-resistant or having an alternative band to wear during times that your hands will be under high stress.

Work with an expert to find your perfect wedding band.

If you’re on the fence with finding the perfect ring, our team of experts at Siebke Hoyt Jewelers are happy to show you options that will fit your style and lifestyle. Visit us at our Cedar Rapids showroom to experience a large variety of men's wedding bands or shop a selection online HERE.

Today's brides are opting for new shapes and colors when it comes to their wedding rings. Unique fancy shape diamond engagement rings are continuing to grow in popularity. While many brides still opt for a dazzling round diamond solitaire, the engagement ring styles are as varied as the women who wear them. Our team here at Siebke Hoyt Jewelers is seeing brides opt for princess cut, pear, heart, and emerald shaped diamonds more and more.

Spotlight on the Emerald Cut Engagement Ring

Many brides choose emerald cut diamonds for their elegance and vintage-inspired beauty. Emerald cut engagement rings are rare and distinctive— which makes sense that powerhouses like Beyonce and Amal Clooney rock this shape diamond in their engagement rings.

The emerald cut dates back to the 1500s when stone-cutters began cutting emeralds in a rectangle shape with stepped facets to provide more stability to the stone. The cut was originally performed on emeralds, which are softer and more prone to damage than diamonds. Like most other diamond shapes, an emerald cut diamond has 57 or 58 facets.

Elongated cuts like emerald cut diamonds tend to look larger and elongate the fingers due to their large top surface, which is far bigger than a round cut diamond of the same carat weight.

Emeralds tend to be set in a simple solitaire setting to showcase the cut of the diamond. Many couples opt for a halo around their emerald cut diamond to accentuate the stone's beauty and vintage flair.

Only roughly 3% of the cut diamonds are emerald cut, which makes this shape more rare than other options. With their elongated table, budget-minded shoppers might be pleased to learn that the emerald cut diamonds' elongated shape and larger table makes this shape appear larger than diamonds of the same carat size.

Visit us at Siebke Hoyt Jewelers in Cedar Rapids and see if a an elegant emerald shape diamond is for you! Explore a selection of our engagement rings online HERE.

Top 10 Engagement Ring Myths Busted

The engagement ring has to be a surprise.

While most couples still prefer a surprise proposal, discussing what she likes and dislikes in engagement rings— or even stopping by the showroom to try on rings together— will help ensure your partner will love the final ring you choose. Don't worry— the proposal will still be a surprise!

You have to spend XX% of your salary on the ring.

We've heard it all: that you should spent two months pay, three months pay, and a certain percentage of your annual salary on an engagement ring. This is a myth; the best budget is the one you come up with and that feels comfortable in your own financial situation. Remember, you can always finance, or pay with credit card. Learn more about financing HERE.

The engagement ring and wedding band should match.

Gone are the days of the engagement ring and wedding band having to be a perfect match (thankfully). There are endless opportunities to create your own unique look with a mix of metals and styles between your engagement ring and wedding band. If you really want to create a unique look, choose more than one wedding band for a stacked look.

Diamonds are indestructible and can’t be damaged.

While diamonds score a 10/10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness (meaning of all minerals, they’re one of the hardest and most difficult to destruct), it’s possible for a diamond to chip or crack if struck at the right angle with the right force. This is why it's a good idea to leave your ring in a safe place when working with your hands or playing hand-contact sports.

Platinum engagement ring settings are indestructible.

Just like its white gold and yellow gold counterparts, your platinum engagement ring setting can be damaged through excessive wear or blunt force. Learn more about our warranty HERE.

A solitaire is a ring with a single round shaped diamond.

Solitaire comes from the word ‘solo,’ meaning a single diamond when referring to an engagement ring. A solitaire ring can actually have any shape of center diamond. The only real criteria for a solitaire engagement ring is that it has no additional diamonds on the band. You can absolutely have a pear shaped diamond solitaire engagement ring, for example!

Round diamonds appear the largest compared to other shapes.

While round diamonds have the potential to sparkle more than any other diamond shape, their symmetry also makes them appear slightly smaller in comparison to a fancy shaped diamond of the same carat weight.

The apparent size of any diamond, when viewed from the top down, can vary depending on the shape and size of the wearer’s hand. This is why it's a great idea to try on different diamond shapes and setting styles when beginning your engagement ring search.

The setting is just a stage for the center diamond.

While your center stone might be more expensive than the setting, both combine to make the whole package. If you view an engagement ring setting as simply a stage for the diamond, you could be missing out on some beautiful details. Give thought to the setting as much as the center stone.

An true engagement ring has a diamond center stone.

While we love a diamond engagement ring, emeralds, sapphires, and other gemstones are stealing center stage in some stunning engagement rings. Each gemstone has its own beautiful hue and meaning, so there is no need to feel like you have to choose a diamond when finding or creating your perfect engagement ring.

Designing your own engagement ring is hard.

While custom designing your engagement ring can be a tedious process, it can actually be very easy (and cost efficient!) to design the ring of your dreams. A custom, handcrafted piece of jewelry from Siebke Hoyt Jewelers allows you the opportunity to create and design a one of a kind piece of jewelry that will become a part of you.

Like local artisans in days past, our 4 on-ers create custom jewelry every day in our shop in Cedar Rapids. For more than 100 years, we've fabricated gold and platinum, set stones, cast precious metals and performed difficult repairs and restorations. Jewelry is our lives dedication and we take our art and craft very seriously. We are also committed to using recycled metals and offering non-conflict diamonds. Our passion and purpose is to create the highest quality, personalized designs in metal and stone. We want you to feel like you have purchased a work of art that will be passed from generation to generation. Learn more about custom design HERE.

Mark your calendars: Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 13th, this year!

Whether you are shopping for your own mother, picking out the perfect gift for the mother of your children, or making a wish ist for yourself, we have Mother's Day gifts she will love— and in every price range, so you have plenty of room leftover for brunch and flowers.

For the Sentimental Mom

Slate and Tell offers customized name and birthstone jewelry that is modern, colorful, and affordable. Customize a ring stack or necklace just for her this Mother's Day.

For the Proud Mom

Rembrandt Charms lets mom tell her story— from favorite pasttimes, to the simple joys of being a mother. Come by and check out the collections we have in store just for mom!

For the Chic Mom

Her jaw will hit the floor when you surprise her with a diamond band from Henri Daussi or on of our other stunning designers. A band can be worn on its own or stacked with other rings, including her engagement ring! Stop in to explore bands in every price range, color, and shape.

For the Minimalist Mom

For the woman who loves style but isn't a fan of too much jewelry, a simple diamond or gemstone pendant is the perfect gift! Choose a style that is versatile so she can wear it all year long. These beautiful pendants are from Gabriel & Co.

For the Stylish Mom

For the woman who loves all things glitz, gold, and glamour, shop Shy Creations for Mother's Day. This designer features rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets full of character so she will shine Mother's Day and beyond.

For the Trendy Mom

Surprise the trendy mom with earthy textures and colors from Anna Beck Designs, like these gorgeous pieces from the new Howlite & White Agate Collection. Anna Beck Designs collections feature small and large designs she will love.

Stop by the showroom to see our full collections, or browse gift ideas online HERE.

A leader in engagement rings in Cedar Rapids. We strive to maintain our long-standing reputation for premium quality, elegant styling and exceptional value by providing the ultimate in customer service and the finest selection of exquisite jewelry.

It is important for you to know that grading standards may vary between diamond certification laboratories. So when comparing diamonds on the basis of their laboratory certification it is critical that you compare two diamonds that are graded by the same laboratory to insure consistency in grading.